Some states reopen national parks; Hawaii eyes options

Visitors to Zion National Park take in the sights after the park opened on a limited basis Friday near Springdale, Utah.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. >> Tourists returned to the Grand Canyon today after Arizona officials along with several counterparts agreed to a federal government plan to reopen national parks, which had been closed as a result of the partial government shutdown.

But the Obama administration's OK to reopen tourist areas across the nation came with a big caveat: States must foot the bill with money they likely won't see again.

So far, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Arizona and New York have agreed to open parks that had been closed since the beginning of the month. Meanwhile, governors in other states were trying to gauge what would be the bigger economic hit -- paying to keep the areas operating or losing the tourist money that flows when the scenic attractions are open.

Hawaii is unlikely to reopen national parks during the federal government shutdown, in part because it appears the state wouldn't be reimbursed for doing so, a spokeswoman for the governor said today.

Reimbursement isn't the only issue that Hawaii must consider, but it's "a huge factor," said Louise Kim McCoy, a spokeswoman for Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Each day, thousands of tourists visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, which is operated by the National Park Service. The sites, along with Haleakala National Park on Maui, are a major part of Hawaii's tourism-driven economy.

The state already must think about paying for other federally funded programs if the shutdown continues, including food stamps, welfare, the National Guard, unemployment assistance and workplace safety, McCoy said.

"Those are more on the top of the list because of how they're impacting families and children and their welfare," McCoy said.

Abercrombie said in a statement that Congress shouldn't expect Hawaii or any other state to assume the obligations of the federal government.

"It is the clear responsibility of Congress to end the shutdown as quickly as possible, to meet continuously until that is accomplished, and restore all federal services," the governor said.

South Dakota and several corporate donors worked out a deal with the National Park Service to reopen Mount Rushmore beginning Monday. Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard said it will cost $15,200 a day to pay the federal government to run the landmark in the Black Hills. He said he has wired four days' worth of donations.

In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his state will pay $61,600 a day to fully fund Park Service personnel and the Statue of Liberty will open Sunday.

In Arizona, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer balked at spending about $112,000 a day for a full reopening of the Grand Canyon. She said a partial reopening would be much cheaper while allowing tourists to visit and businesses to benefit.

"The daily cost difference is enormous, especially without assurances that Arizona will be reimbursed," said Andrew Wilder, a spokesman for Brewer.

In the end, Arizona agreed to pay the Park Service $651,000 to keep the Grand Canyon open for seven days. The $93,000 a day is less than the $112,000 the federal government had said was needed to fund park operations each day.

In additional to state money, cash provided by the town of Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance, and private business would also be included in the funding.

At this time of year, the Grand Canyon draws about 18,000 people a day who pump an estimated $1 million a day into the local economy.

The town of Tusayan, and area businesses have pledged $400,000 to help reopen the canyon, but Wilder said it was unclear if the Interior Department could accept private funds.

In Utah, federal workers rushed to reopen five national parks for 10 days after the state sent $1.67 million to the U.S. government with the hope of saving its lucrative tourist season.

Zion National Park superintendent Jock Whitworth said staff members began opening gates and removing barriers and expected to have the park fully operational Saturday.

"This is a practical and temporary solution that will lessen the pain for some businesses and communities in Utah during this shutdown," Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement.

It was welcome news for beleaguered shop owners in the small town of Springdale adjacent to Zion. Hotels have been vacant and rental and retail shops have seen sales plummet during the shutdown.

"It's going to be awesome," said Jenna Milligan of Zion Outfitters, an outdoor gear rental shop. "A lot of businesses have suffered severely because of the government. I just hope it does stay open through autumn."

In Colorado, officials said a deal had been struck for the state to pay $360,000 to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park for 10 days to allow tourists to reach Estes Park. The visitors are needed to help the town recover from flooding.

Slightly more than 400 national parks, recreation areas and monuments -- including such icons as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite -- have been closed since Oct. 1 because of the partial government shutdown.

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees have been furloughed, and lawmakers from both parties have complained that the closures have wreaked havoc on communities that depend on tourism.

Interior Department spokesman Blake Androff said Thursday the government had no plans to reimburse states that pay to reopen parks. But members of Congress introduced legislation Friday to refund the money within 90 days.

In Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert estimated the economic impact of the federal government shutdown at $100 million in his state.

Missouri Democrat Gov. Jay Nixon's administration was working on a proposal to reopen parks in that state, including the Gateway Arch grounds in St. Louis and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park in southern Missouri.

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, said his state can't afford to reopen its parks, as did Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval said Nevada is already facing critical funding decisions on dozens of programs, including food stamps, unemployment insurance and aid to women, infants and children.

In Wyoming, Republican Gov. Matt Mead's office said the state would not pay to reopen two heavily visited national parks or Devil's Tower national monument.

"Wyoming cannot bail out the federal government, and we cannot use state money to do the work of the federal government," Mead spokesman Renny MacKay said.

___

Associated Press writers Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu, Matthew Daly in Washington, Brady McCombs in Utah, Brian Skoloff and Bob Christie in Arizona, Ken Ritter in Nevada, Colleen Slevin in Colorado, Mead Gruver in Wyoming, Jonathan Lemire and Michael Virtanen in New York and Chet Brokaw in South Dakota contributed to this report.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Because only subscribers are allowed to comment, we have your personal information and are able to contact you. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email commentfeedback@staradvertiser.com.

Leave a comment

Name:

Comment:

Please login to leave a comment.

Solarawrote:

Why would it cost so much to reopen a park? Why can't the States just foot the bill for daily expenses incurred? The way it's been reported makes the solution stink like a ransom situation.

on October 11,2013 | 09:59AM

Name:

Comment:

seriouswrote:

If you noted, the Republican states are trying to reopen. The Democratic States have no money. On the same subject, if the Federal workers are going to get paid, why don't they just go back to work? Answer--the majority of Federal workers work in Democratic states -- they are used to not working.

on October 11,2013 | 12:44PM

Name:

Comment:

HealthyandHappywrote:

Good thing Abercrombie is so tight with Obama. Our National Parks should be open wiki wiki soon.

on October 11,2013 | 06:37PM

Name:

Comment:

Silent_No_Morewrote:

So who's keeping the entry fees? I believe those on the outer islands do charge entry fees. If the State can keep the entry fees, the State can actually make money. As for Arizona Memorial, the State can charge a temporry fee until this thing is over. Most tourists would rather pay a small fee than flying here and unable to visit the Memorial.

on October 11,2013 | 04:58PM

Name:

Comment:

Tonia3hwrote:

What's not being stated is companies that incorporate these parks with their tours are on the brink of closure. They are losing thousands daily. Their previous full time staff, now working 1-2 days. What about the Park staff? What about their welfare & their children?
Do a little work Government!!!!! If the Governor's office would just roll up their sleeves and pull together the necessary Park Personnel to open (figure the cost) - the commercial operators that utilize the area - divide up the cost via a temporary state commercial fee. Entrants fees charges to non-commercial could be pooled and paid back to the commercial operators flipping the bill - Guaranteed this could be alleviated and dealt with if people would just come together.